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Wildlife biologists study animals in their natural habitats. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the work environment for a wildlife biologist can vary from a laboratory to an aquatic research vessel. Biologists often focus upon one species or group such as mammals, insects or reptiles. Career options for wildlife biologists can include working as a game warden, endangered species specialist or park ranger.

Game Warden

Game wardens are employed by state governments to enforce hunting, fishing and safety laws. The over-arching goal of the game warden is to conserve state wildlife resources and preserve natural habitats and ecosystems. When a species becomes endangered, the game warden will work to preserve its numbers and eventually re-introduce it into the wild. As members of law enforcement, game wardens can make arrests and they assist in times of natural disaster and enforce boating and recreational watercraft laws. Game wardens also are responsible for educating the public about state-specific wildlife issues.

Wildlife Manager

Wildlife managers maintain the delicate balance between animal populations and the surrounding community. If a species' numbers are dwindling, the manager will take steps to help the population grow and prosper. This requires a careful analysis of the interrelationships among all species in the area and how population growth of one species will affect the population of another. The manager must also have knowledge of the area's "carrying capacity," or the number of species the ecosystem can support before the balance is upset. If the carrying capacity is too high, the manager must take steps to restore a proper population by encouraging hunting, trapping or relocating species.

Endangered Species Specialist

Endangered species specialists work closely with the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS, in identifying and protecting both animal and plant species on the verge of extinction. These specialists work closely with staff from FWS resource programs and representatives of other state natural resource agencies, local and tribal governments, business and industry, academia, conservation organizations, and other private interests to identify potential candidate species. Specialists must collect data sufficient to place an animal on the federal Endangered Species List and will then work with other biologists and field experts to bolster the population and save current species from further threats.

Conservation Educator

Conservation education connects the public to natural resources and helps people of all ages understand the importance of protecting the environment. Conservation educators teach young children about preventing forest fires, reasons to avoid littering and how to protect the environment. Educators also work with college students and adults teaching complex environmental concepts.

Park Ranger

Wildlife biologists work with state and national park ranger services to conserve resources, prevent the outbreak of fires, disseminate natural or scientific information and handle unauthorized conduct or trespassers. Rangers may manage campgrounds and post warning signs to hikers or campers pertaining to dangerous animals or conditions. Park rangers work in both urban and rural settings.

2016 Salary Information for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a median annual salary of $60,520 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, zoologists and wildlife biologists earned a 25th percentile salary of $48,360, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $76,320, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 19,400 people were employed in the U.S. as zoologists and wildlife biologists.

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About the Author

Stephanie Reid has been writing professionally since 2007, with work published in the Virginia Bar Association's "Family Law Quarterly" and the "Whittier Journal of Child and Family Advocacy." She received her Juris Doctor from Regent University and her Bachelor of Arts in French and child development from Florida State University. Reid is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Maryland.